Former nurses celebrate the centenary in style

A retired nurse, Simolo Reupena was amongst those recognized during the celebration of 100 years of service of the Samoa Nurses Association Incorporated.

Mrs Reupena 94, missed out on the celebrations as she was bed ridden but that did not stop her from getting dressed up for a picture and showcasing her award of recognition for her service in Papa Sataua, Savai’i.

This is according to her daughter Atalua Tanielu, who attended the award ceremony and received her mother’s award.

“My mother was one of the first, few nurses who served in Papa, Sataua, where they were pastors at the church.

She kept occupied by serving as a nurse in Papa, Sataua,” said Atalua.

Masinaoso Leniu Auseugaefa Bell was also honoured on the day and despite being in a wheelchair, she was delighted to attend with the assistance from her daughter Valasiologo.

At the celebration earlier this week, the President of the Samoa Nurses Association Taulapapa Faamanatu Nielsen gave a brief history of the Association and paid tribute to those who started the work of nursing in Samoa and those who have since passed on.

HONOURED: Masinaoso Leniu Auseugaefa Bell.

“The Samoa Nurses Association was founded in 1917 with just four girls from Papauta and now, in 2017, we have more than 400 registered nurses in Samoa,” she said proudly.

“We have come a long way with so many challenges but we have also achieved so much,” she said.

“This year’s event is about celebrating the lives of those who first established the Association and who took the necessary steps to improve the service of nurses in Samoa.

Taulapapa said that at first it was very hard but they overcame the early difficulties.

Those who first formed the Association were strong women,” she said.

“But now, we are just thankful for all these years because we know we have come a very long way.”